Lion-Hearted

It’s
a myth, you know, that overweight people suffer from low self-esteem
more than the rest of the population. In fact, psychological tests given
to overweight folks have proven that obese individuals are, on balance,
just as mentally healthy (or unhealthy) as anyone else. There’s no
support for the idea that overeating is generally associated with poor
mental or emotional health. Quite the opposite, actually; many slim
people who were interviewed said they wouldn’t have the courage to go
out if they were obese. They’d simply stay at home and hide their fat
faces.

Think about it: you get up every morning, get out of bed
and face the world head-on. You accept strangers’ stares, children’s
cruel comments and friends’ “helpful” advice, all with a wane smile and
gentle good grace. You’ve recognized the inner demons that have put you
in the state you’re in, and you’re going about doing something about it.
You’re getting your life in check, as well as providing emotional
support for others who are also getting their lives in check.

Here’s my point: you’re not weak.

Here’s my second point (and this may sting a little): you’ve got to get stronger.

You’ve
got to get stronger because this is a long, uphill climb, and it will
take its toll on you, both mentally and physically. You’ve got to get
stronger because time is not on
your side, and Life will jump up and throw hurdle after hurdle after
hurdle in your path. You’ve got to get stronger because me and everyone
else that follows your story aren’t going to be satisfied until you
reach your goals.

We’ve all got our own ways of fighting this
fight, our own methods to this madness. You may cut carbs, she may count
calories, he may swim 50 laps a day, I may simply try to eat smarter
and exercise more. There’s no one way–no right way–to get there from
here.

But ask yourself this: Am I really doing all I can to succeed?

If
you can honestly say “yes,” then God bless you, but I suspect that
you’re in the minority if that’s truly the case. I know this is going to
sound… well, funny… coming from a guy named Jack Sh*t who spends half
his day telling fart jokes and making kooky lists, but you’ve got to get
serious about this if you want to find the success you claim you want.
You need to shift it into high gear, and start getting it done, and I
mean like, today. You can
half-ass it for as long as you want, but the real results aren’t going
to happen for you until you knuckle down. Until you get serious.

There
is a lion in my heart, and he’s roaring at the fat that I’ve saddled
myself with by being stupid and lazy. Roaring at the complacency that
allowed me to put my own health and future in jeopardy. He’s roaring at
me every day, filling my spirit with grit and reminding me that this is
my day, this is my time. He’s pushing me to run wild and pounce on this
chance, this opportunity to reclaim my life.

This journey is not for the weak or the meek; it is for the strong-willed and the lion-hearted.

It’s time for you to roar.